The R&D Manager is responsible for leading research and development activities and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation. The role ensures alignment with company goals, focusing on quality, efficiency, sustainability and bringing new products to market.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning
• Develop R&D plans aligned with the company's strategy, incorporating sustainable practices into governance, team readiness, budgeting, and funding/claim planning.
• Collaborate with leadership team to align R&D initiatives with business strategy and ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations, standards, and safety guidelines.
• Negotiate research agreements, plan budgets and identify funding opportunities, including tax credits and grants.
Product Development
• Align R&D projects with customer needs and market trends by working closely with the marketing and sales teams.
• Drive the development of new innovations while ensuring market needs and regulatory requirements are met.
• Develop and maintain a technology roadmap for advancing core technologies to maintain a competitive and sustainable edge.
• Source and manage relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, research organisations, and technology providers.
Team Leadership
• Lead, mentor, and develop team members, fostering collaboration and innovation across the business.
• Set clear objectives, monitor progress, and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities for team members.
• Assess current systems, identify gaps, and implement improvements to enhance team readiness and drive sustainability in R&D operation.
Project Management
• Utilise digital platforms for project management, capacity planning, tracking progress, capture expenditure, sustainability metric, and streamline reporting.
• Prepare and present regular reports on R&D activities and maintain thorough documentation for compliance and audit purposes.
• Develop KPIs to measure project success, including
Qualifications & Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Science); advanced degrees preferred.
• 3+ years in R&D, with relevant management experience.
• Project management and R&D management certifications (e.g., PMP) are advantageous.
• Proficient in research methodologies, product development and sustainability-driven innovation.
• Proven leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills, inspiring professional teams.
• Skilled in organising and managing multiple projects, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Capable of developing and executing long-term R&D strategies aligned with business objectives and sustainability goals.
• Focused on driving creative ideas from concept to implementation.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and data analysis capabilities.
• Effective in working with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Familiar with relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry guidelines.